LTHS musicians play and croon their way to top

One dozen Lyons Township High School students were recently named All-State Musicians in the annual Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Student Programs. Students participated via auditions through the process of district and regional festivals.

The 12 LT musicians were selected through an audition in the ILMEA District Festival. This is one of the highest honors an Illinois musician can receive. Senior orchestra student Madison Kraus is a three-peat honoree, having been named among the All-State ranks for the third year in a row. Once a student is named an All-State musician, they re-audition at the convention for the coveted Honors distinction; three LT students earned Honors recognition.

All-State musicians are chosen by the ILMEA based upon preliminary auditions held in the fall at the district level. LT belongs to District #1, which includes the City of Chicago and approximately 80 high schools from the southwest suburbs. There are typically 2400 students who audition for district ensembles in District #1 each year. The students with the highest scores in each district are submitted to a meeting of all ILMEA district presidents.

“Congratulations to those who auditioned, those selected and their teachers. All-State recognition is a tremendous honor for our students and a reflection of our staff. The All-State weekend is a learning experience that unite students with fellow musicians and directors from across the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Waterman.

Lucas Barnes, Senior (Indian Head Park) - Choir
Julia Blumhagen, Junior (LaGrange Park) - Choir
*Charles Cundiff, Senior (Western Springs) - Orchestra
*Emerson Eich, Senior (LaGrange ) - Choir
Cassidy Gall, Senior (Countryside) - Choir
Natalie Garbe, Senior (Countryside) - Band
Emmett James, Senior (LaGrange) - Band
Grace Kovacs, Sophomore (LaGrange Park) - Orchestra
Madison Kraus, Senior (LaGrange) - Orchestra
*Amber Phillips, Senior (LaGrange Highlands) - Choir
Connor Sandman, Junior (LaGrange) - Choir
Kai Werlinsky, Sophomore (LaGrange Park) - Orchestra

*Honors All-State Musicians